Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership

West Bluff oyster reefs

With APNEP support, The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will develop approximately 1.25 acres of the West Bluff Oyster Sanctuary in Pamlico Sound by deploying reef structures. The sanctuary was permitted and construction initiated in 2005 with funds from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and The Nature Conservancy. Sampling of the sanctuary indicates good oyster recruitment, survival and growth. Placement of these reef structures will further the completion of this permitted reef, create areas that will protect native oyster broodstock, enhance oyster production in adjacent waters, and create new oyster habitat.